His trademark goalie mask was the result of an errant puck which struck him in the face during practice. As a joke, his trainer drew stitches on the mask where Cheevers would have needed them had he not been wearing it. Gerry found the mask so amusing and intimidating that he continued this drawing stitches where he was struck until there was virtually no un-stitched portion of the mask. This rendered him much more terrifying than others who tried to imitate him, and also illustrated the fact that if he had not worn the mask his face would vaguely resemble raw hamburger. He was once asked if he did similar artwork on the gear of his opponents. Cheevers replied in a serious tone, "they don't let me into the emergency room."